Nature Coast Hobby Shop

310 Ft. Destroyer USS Ward was the first American ship to sink an enemy vessel in WWII. Her sister ship, U.S.S. Reuben James, was the first U.S. destroyer lost in action. H.M.S. Campbelltown rammed the dry dock gates in the dramatic raid on St. Nazaire.

Of the 273 four-pipers built, no two were exactly the same even though their distinctive silhouette made them unmistakable.

The USS Ward, also known as the “four-piper” due to its four smokestacks, was a World War I-era destroyer that played a significant role in the United States’ entry into World War II. Commissioned in 1918, the Ward was initially used for patrol and convoy duty in the Atlantic Ocean. However, it wasn’t until December 7, 1941, that the ship would make its mark in history.

On that fateful day, the Ward was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. As the Sunday morning sun rose, the Ward’s crew was preparing for a routine training exercise when they spotted a suspicious submarine periscope near the entrance of the harbor. Acting quickly, the Ward’s captain, Lieutenant William W. Outerbridge, ordered the ship to fire upon the submarine, making it the first American vessel to engage the enemy in combat during World War II.

The Ward’s crew successfully hit the submarine and alerted the nearby USS California, which joined in the attack. This action not only prevented the submarine from entering Pearl Harbor and causing additional damage, but it also provided the first warning of the surprise Japanese attack that would occur later that morning. The Ward’s actions were crucial in allowing the U.S. Navy to prepare for the attack and ultimately played a significant role in the outcome of the war.

Despite this important role, the Ward’s story doesn’t end there. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the ship continued to serve in the Pacific Theater, participating in various operations and battles, including the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. It also served as a training ship for new recruits and escorted convoys throughout the region.

In 1944, the Ward was transferred to the Atlantic Ocean, where it continued to serve until the end of the war. After the war, the ship was decommissioned and sold for scrap in 1945. However, its legacy lives on, with a replica of the ship being built in Pearl Harbor and a plaque commemorating its role in the war.

The USS Ward may have been a small destroyer in comparison to other ships in the U.S. Navy, but its impact was immeasurable. Its quick and decisive action on that fateful morning in December 1941 not only saved lives but also played a crucial role in the outcome of the war. The ship and its crew will always be remembered for their bravery and service, making the U.S.S. Ward a true hero of World War II.